At that moment, the promise was made: nectar would once again exist in the world, just as it had before. As this assurance was given, the sage Vyasa spoke a divine utterance, witnessed by all beings. Then, accompanied by women, children, and elders, the assembly made their way to the great Kālavan. This sacred forest was a place of beauty, its paths strewn with flowers and shaded by majestic trees. Steps fashioned from jewels led the way, and the ground was decorated with fragments of lotus blossoms. Gathered there were the illustrious sages, famed among the Bhṛgu and Aṅgiras lineages, and celestial beings—the Vasus, the Ādityas, the Ashvins, and the Maruts—all present to worship the river Śiprā at the twilight hour, absorbed in deep meditation. The blessed wives, devoted and steadfast, remained alongside their husbands. Royal sages, having attained the path of liberation, were seated in contemplation. People from every region, travelers from afar, had assembled together in this sacred place. Here, all performed righteous deeds and made generous gifts in countless ways. The Nāgas, filled with delight, approached the river, which was now entirely composed of nectar. The foremost serpents, full of devotion and following the procedures prescribed in the Vedas, brought offerings: garlands of unfading lotuses, a variety of flowers and grains. They presented lamps, food, betel leaves, and gifts, and, desiring nectar, began to recite praises. Their hymns echoed: “Salutations to you, O moon-crested, O matted-haired, supreme Self. Salutations to you, O Three-eyed, O wearer of the crown of matted locks. Salutations to you, O wearer of skins, O Lord of the mountains, again and again. Salutations to you, O hunter, O devourer, again and again. Salutations to you, O witness of all, O creator of the hearts of all beings. Salutations to you, O divine laughter; and salutations to you, O one from whom nectar flows. Obeisance to you, fulfiller of desires, bestower of all desired boons. Salutations to the gracious one, the restrained one, the embodiment of peace.” Thus propitiated by the serpents, the blessed Lord, Maheshvara, bearer of the bull-banner, was pleased. He recalled, “Long ago, I came constantly to the world of serpents seeking alms. Hungering greatly, I wandered from house to house in Bhogavati. Failing to obtain alms, I would return again and again to each house. By some merit, in the most excellent Mahakala forest, I was seen by all—young and old, with women—at the sacred river Shipra.” The merit gained from bathing in Shipra, he declared, cannot be adequately described. All the foremost serpents performed ablutions in Shipra, and the sacred water was poured into the pools, making them full and enduring. Having bowed to Maheshvara, the serpents returned to their own world. Vyasa was told, “Shipra, born of nectar, is renowned in all the worlds. For those who honor her, there is no evil deed, no calamity, nor misfortune. Their friends suffer no disease or poverty. Reciting or hearing this grants the merit of a thousand cows. By merely hearing this, one attains the fruit of an Ashvamedha sacrifice. Shipra is everywhere meritorious, pure, and destroyer of sin.